Depending on the growth stage and general condition of the hedge, the trimming approach may vary:
- Young hedges : The priority is what’s called formative pruning. The goal is to encourage balanced branching from the start by gently guiding side growth without cutting too much from the top.
- Mature hedges : Once the hedge has reached the desired height and is dense and healthy, it enters the maintenance phase. Maintenance pruning then becomes a yearly habit at the beginning of summer, after the first active growth period.
- Only the recent new shoots are trimmed, taking care never to cut too deeply into the old wood, as cedars do not regrow from brown wood.
- Neglected hedges : Sometimes a hedge is left unattended for several years. In these cases, it often becomes too tall, sparse at the base, less dense, and poorly structured.
- Reduction pruning is more severe: the height must be reduced while trying to preserve the still-green areas. Fertilization and proper watering in the following weeks will help support regrowth.
- Damaged hedges : Corrective pruning is necessary in specific cases such as branches broken by wind, early signs of disease, or a section of the hedge growing unevenly. The problematic parts should be trimmed without affecting the rest.
